FAQ-81: Information Requirements for Continual Evaluation
Question: What kinds of information must be integrated in performing a continual evaluation of pipeline integrity?
Answer: An operator must consider all information relevant to determining risk associated with pipeline operation in HCAs. This means information regarding the likelihood that a pipeline leak or failure will occur, as well as information regarding the consequences to an HCA. At a minimum, an operator must gather and evaluate the set of data specified in appendix A to ASME/ANSI B31.8S. A list of some of the more important information that should be considered in an integrated manner is provided below.
- Results of previous integrity assessments
- Information related to determining the potential for, and preventing, damage due to excavation, including damage prevention activities, and development or planned development along the pipeline
- Corrosion control information (e.g., Years with adequate Cathodic protection, years with questionable Cathodic protection, close interval survey results)
- Information about the pipe design and construction (e.g., seam type, coating type and condition, wall thickness)
- Operating parameters (e.g., maximum allowable operating pressure, pressure cycle history)
- Leak and incident history
- Information about the potential consequences of a failure in a high consequence area
An operator should consider the same set of data on a periodic basis and analyze changes and trends that would indicate the need for additional integrity evaluations.
These Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) are intended to clarify, explain, and promote better understanding of the pipeline integrity management rules. These FAQs are not substantive rules and do not create rights, assign duties, or impose new obligations not outlined in the existing integrity management regulations and standards. Requests for informal interpretations regarding the applicability of one or more of the pipeline integrity management rules to a specific situation may be submitted to PHMSA in accordance with 49 C.F.R. ยง 190.11.
11/08/2008 05:37 PM
Processing: 0.06 sec.
ANONYMOUS USER [2,285]
Browser: Mozilla 5.00